(17) Every argument that is [for the sake of] heaven's name, it is destined to endure. But if it is not [for the sake of] heaven's name -- it is not destined to endure. What [is an example of an argument for the sake of] heaven's name? The argument of Hillel and Shammai. What [is an example of an argument not for the sake of] heaven's name? The argument of Korach and all of his followers.

For three years, the House of Hillel and the House of Shammai argued. One said, 'The halakha (law) is according to our position,' and the other said, 'The halakha is according to our position.' A heavenly voice spoke: "These and those are the words of the living God, and the halakha is according to the House of Hillel." A question was raised: Since the heavenly voice declared: "Both these and those are the words of the Living God," why was the halacha established to follow the opinion of Hillel? It is because the students of Hillel were kind and gracious. They taught their own ideas as well as the ideas from the students of Shammai. Furthermore, they even taught Shammai's opinions first.

(4) Hillel would say: Do not separate from the community, Do not trust in yourself until the day you die, Do not judge your fellow until you have arrived to his position, Do not say something impossible to understand [hoping] that ultimately it will be understood. And do not say "When I am available, I will study," for you may never be available.

Another time a non-Jew came before Shammai and said, "Convert me on the condition that you teach me the entire Torah while I stand on one foot." Shammai pushed him aside with the builder's cubit that was in his hand. The non-Jew came before Hillel, who converted him, saying, "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor, that is the entire Torah, the rest is commentary, now go and study."

(12) Hillel would say: Be of the disciples of Aaron, loving peace and pursuing peace, loving people (lit. creatures) and bringing them closer to Torah.